Careers for graduates

If you’re a graduate, you can gain valuable experience, develop your skills and make a positive impact by applying to our Graduate Development Program.

Our Graduate Development Program

This program provides endless pathway opportunities to grow your career, skills and experience while doing work that directly impacts the Australian community. 

Whether you’re passionate about science, technology, innovation, resources, or any other policy area in our diverse portfolio, the scope of topics you can work on can’t be matched anywhere else.

During our program you’ll experience:

• comprehensive soft and technical skills training to help you excel in your career
• hands-on learning that will challenge and inspire you
• opportunities to collaborate with fellow graduates on important projects that address real-life policy issues, making a tangible impact on society.

We accept all fields of study and offer a wide range of opportunities.

Program benefits

Our program offers:

• a structured 12-month training and development program 
• opportunity to contribute to creating a better future for all Australians 
• competitive pay and conditions with 37.5-hour work week 
• access to flexible work arrangements 
• multiple work placements to experience diverse roles and responsibilities across the department
• starting as an Australian Public Service (APS) level 4
• advancement to APS level 5 once you successfully complete the program
• tailored graduate support 
• exclusive networking events
• placement opportunities in capital cities around Australia
• help to move (for eligible graduates). 

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• be an Australian citizen at the time of commencement
• have completed a minimum 3-year undergraduate degree in the last 5 years
• be able to get and keep a baseline security clearance.

If your degree is from an overseas university, the National Office of Overseas Skill Recognition must recognise the qualification.

Application process

The assessment and selection process may include:

• an online assessment
• a written task
• a behavioural interview
• referee checks
• a short phone or video interview (this may be applicable if you’re applying through specialist streams).

Australian Government Graduate Programs

STEM stream

We lead the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) stream in partnership with the Australian Public Service Commission.

If you’re a graduate joining this stream you can work across multiple STEM fields including:

• developing initiatives to advance women and girls in STEM
• international and national space negotiations and agreements
• earth observations
• robotics
• neuromorphic engineering
• chemical and biological analysis
• electro technology
• genomics
• cyber security
• technology and programming
• software engineering
• geophysics
• spatial analysis.

You will also be provided with unique experiences while participating in the program. For example, opportunities to work across various government departments, and the chance to meet STEM leaders from across the Australian Public Service (APS).